Pronounced 'cull-eela', the distillery is situated on the North Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. Join us for a tour and watch the distillers at work, tending to the 6 copper stills.
Could all coach parties please contact the distillery to make arrangements prior to visiting.
May
Coal Ila will be celebrating the annual festival of Music & Malt with an extensive programme of events from the 26th May - 1st June.
Caol Ila's open day is the 28th May, a day not to be missed.
£6
1 hour
A journey through the whisky-making process while enjoying panoramic views of the Paps of Jura.
£23
1 hour
A tutored nosing and tasting of our range of whiskies paired with delicious artisan chocolates. March to October only.
£25
1 hour 30 mins
A tutored nosing and tasting of some of our Cask Strength expressions.
10:00 – 16:00
09:30 - 17:00
09:30 - 17:30
09:30 - 17:00
10:00 – 16:00
Take a peek at the ins and outs of our working distillery. From the magnificent views of the Paps of Jura to large scale whisky production at its best.
Uncover the history behind the liquid
In 1846, Glasgow distillery owner Hector Henderson picked a little bay on the Sound of Islay for his distillery site. He named it for the sound itself, using the Gaelic Caol Ila, and it was across this sound the little puffer ships made their round trips to the mainland – slowly helping to establish the distillery as the biggest on Islay.
Islay, the 'Queen of the Hebrides', is probably best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Some say they are the best in the whole world. Home to 8 working distilleries, Islay definitely has the process of making the stuff down to a fine art. Sláinte!
